You Set the Example

Talk is cheap.

We’ve probably all had an experience where someone says one thing but then we see them do something that is the opposite of what they’ve said.

How did it make you feel when you experienced someone do that?

Probably not great, right?

In fact, when we interact with someone who says one thing but does the opposite, we often feel that they are a liar at worst, or simply untrustworthy, at best.

That’s because this disconnect between word and deed reveals a crack in their integrity.

As a leader, you will be guiding, coaching, and directing people in small things and big things. You will likely be asking your team and others to put themselves and their reputations at risk from time-to-time to deliver on key objectives for your organization.

To be effective in this role, people need to trust you. They need to know that when it matters most, you will show up well and support them in the way you say you will.

But they won’t have that trust if you don’t follow through on your word.

And believe me, every person on your team and around your organization is watching you to see whether you actually will do what you say. If you do, they make a mental note that you can in fact be trusted. If you don’t, however, it’s a check against your credibility.

This is why it’s so important that you live out what you say. If you do, people will trust and follow you. But if you don’t, you become a liability. And people don’t line up to support and follow a liability.